Like any other part of your business, your laboratory needs a solid inventory system. From organized orders to safe and secure storage, inventory management helps you keep track of your supplies and materials in the most efficient way possible. Keeping track of your inventory helps you reduce waste and errors while boosting productivity and preserving your lab’s budget. To help make your business’s lab the most efficient it can be, here are some best practices for how to improve your lab’s inventory management.
Don’t Underestimate Labels
Sometimes the simplest measures make all the difference. Think of labeling as a form of communication throughout your lab. The clearer and more direct you are, the easier it is for everyone to understand, contribute, and get the job done. Create a label system that helps you and your employees easily identify, find, and mark all of your materials. This will help you keep better track of the supplies you do and don’t have.
Stay on Top of Orders
Your ordering system should be thorough and consistent. Keep a close eye on your stock levels and how quickly your lab uses each material. This will help you stay on top of orders so you don’t have to scramble to get a certain item after it runs out. At the same time, pay attention to items that expire quickly or sit in storage for an extended period of time. Adjust your orders so you’re not purchasing excess amounts and having to throw certain materials away before you can use them.
Keep Materials Secure
A huge part of how to improve your lab’s inventory management is to create a secure environment for your materials. There are many different ways to secure lab materials, so focus your efforts on what works best for you and your team. This might mean controlling access or implementing security cameras. It might also mean creating a safe storage space with pharmaceutical-grade refrigerators or freezers. Creating a safe and organized space for every material and tool helps you quickly catch any security breaches that could affect your inventory system.